Rabbi Van Lanckton: Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard should be released

Tuesday

Jan 25, 2011 at 12:01 AMJan 25, 2011 at 3:50 AM

I disagree strongly with the Scripps Howard News Service editorial opposing the release of Jonathan Pollard, titled “Don’t release Pollard.” Pollard was never indicted for harming the United States. He was not charged with treason or with compromising codes, agents or war plans.

Rabbi Van Lanckton

I disagree strongly with the Scripps Howard News Service editorial opposing the release of Jonathan Pollard, titled “Don’t release Pollard.”

He is the victim of injustice and deserves his freedom. Pollard was never indicted for harming the United States. He was not charged with treason or with compromising codes, agents or war plans.

He was charged with passing classified information to an ally, Israel, without intent to harm the United States. The typical sentence for that offense is two to four years. Pollard was sentenced in 1985 to life imprisonment without parole –– a uniquely harsh sentence.

The sentence is unjust and the process was unjust. The sentencing judge received a 46-page classified memorandum before sentencing that Pollard and his attorneys have never been allowed to see.

The editorial says most of the U.S. military and intelligence community oppose Pollard’s release. Not so.

The editorial also says we will never know what Pollard passed to Israel if he is released. Not true.

Pollard provided all that information to the authorities 25 years ago. He cannot have any relevant information now. Keeping him in jail will not lead to any new information.

No purpose is served by continuing to imprison him. He should be released immediately.

Rabbi Van Lanckton

Temple B’nai Shalom

Braintree, Mass.

-- The Patriot Ledger (Mass.)

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